Engine starter



April 30, 1929. ENQ K 1,710,986

ENGINE STARTER Filed April 24, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented Apr. 30, 1929.

STEPHEN JENCICK, 0F CH'A'GRIN FALLS, 01110.

ENGINE STARTER.

Application filed April 24, 1925. Serial No, 25,5?7.

This invention relates to improvements in starting devices for internal combustion engines.

The type of device to which the present invention relat comprises a mechanism actuated by a starting motor for moving a startiug pinion axially into mesh with the engine gear on the ily wheel so as to transmit the power of the starting motor and thereby turn over the engine, then upon the engine starting under its own power, the comparatively excessive speed thereof will automatically kick the starting pinion out of mesh with the engine gear and return the same to initial, idle position.

The particular object of the present inven tion is to provide such a mechanism with positive operativeconnections between the starting pinion and the starting motor, which mechanism is comparatively quick-acting and tree from sticking. quiet in its operation and comparatively inexpensive to man irliac'tnre.

More specifically, the present invention comprises a collapsil'de link and lever mechanism and cam means for forcing and guiding the starting pinion into mesh with the engine gear and which is provided with a rubber cushioning means for absorbing the shock which would otherwise be transmitted to the starting motor upon bringing the starting pinion into positive driving connection with the shaft of the starting motor.

The present invention consists also in providing a direct bearing contact of the starting pinion with the shaft of the starting motor, such bearing contact being of substantial extent so to ensure trueness of" movement.

Other objects will appear from the tollowing description and claims when considered together with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side view of my improved mechanism shown partly in section and partly in elevation with the casing broken away, the mechanism in this view being shown in initial or idle position; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the mechanism in fully extended position for the starting operation of the engine gear; Fig. 3 a view similar to Figs. 1 and 2 but showing the mechanism in intermediate position; Fig. 4. is a plan view of the mechanism in the position shown in Fig. 3 and with the casing in section and with other parts broken away; Fig. 5 a cross section taken on line 5 5, Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is a cross-section taken'on line 6-45, Fig. 3.

It is to be understood that the present details of mechai'iisnr and designashere illustrated may be varied according to the spirit of the present invention, the particular form here shown being merely for purposes of illustration. l

The engine gear 1, carried by the fly wheel of the automobile engine, is enclosed in the casing-E2 and is adapted to be startedby'the pinion 3 which is moved into andout of meshing engagement therewith along a 101i: gitudinal or axial path, *such' interengage-z nient being effected by the mechanism now to be described. 7

Attached to the same casing 2 by means of the bolts 4 the casing 53 of the starting inotor which drives the "motor shaft 6 having suitable bearing 7 in the other end of the cusing 2. This shaft 6 extends through the starting pinion 3 which is adapted to be moved axially therealong'and which has a direct bearing engagement therewith through a substantial longitudinal extent.

The means for eifecting operative and positive connection bctwecnthe shaftfi and the starting pinion Flare enelosecl within the housing 8 and the parts are so constructed and arranged that the housing 8 need be given a rotary motion of less than 90 for moving the pinion into mesh with the gear 1. The shaft (i is positively connected to the rear end of the housing 8 by means of the bolt 9 extending through. the rear projection 10 of the housing 8. Rubber cushioning means 11 in the form 0 short tubes are provided he tween the bolt 9 "andthe' inside ottl'ie exten sion, as a means: of absorbing shock which would. otherwise be transmitted from the starting mechanism to the starting motor. 1' As a means of preventing-the rubber from being attacked by the oil, I have provided the I felt rings 12 at the fourpoints indicated, that is at the ends of. each of the tubular ruin hers 11. p y

' The hollow swivel mounting 13 is'provided with an annular flange 14 at its rear' end which. is adapted to seat in a correspondingly formed depressionin the rear cndhead oi" the casing 8 and tube swivelly secured in such position by means of the annular-ring 15 which in turn issecured'bymeans of screws 16. The yoke member 17 ispivotally mounted at diametrically opposite pointsupon the r Ill) front end portion of the swivel member 13 and is pivotally connected at its middle point by means of a clevis connection 18 to one end of a link member 19 which extends forwardly and is pivotally connected at its other end to one end of a cross head 20 at the point 21. This crosshead is of substantially the sun ie length as the inner diameter of the housing or casing 8, and the opposite end of this crosshead is adapted to be guided in its movement by engagement with the cam edge oi the plate i'uember 22 which is secured on the inner side of the casing or housing 8 by means of screws 23, clearly shown in Fig. 5. There is provided also a slot 24: near the forward end of the casing 53, the slot in this particular instance being formed by cutting out a recess in the forward end portion of the casing and then closing the immediate forward portion thereof by means of said plate 22 already referred to. In other words, the plate 22 performs a double function of pro-- viding the front marginal portion 24 and also serving as a cam guide for one end of the crosshead 20, as above referred to. The slot 24 serves as a bearing means for the peculiar- 1y shaped toe portion 25 on the extreme front end of the lever arm 26 which an extension from one side of the yoke 17 and which forms together therewith a bell crank lever.

The hollow swivel member 13 provided with. a cut-out portion 1? to receive and provide a seat for the pivotal connectioi'i 15% when the parts are in the initial or idle or collapsed position indicated in Fig. 1.

The operation is briefly stated as follows:

lVith the parts in position as indicated in Fig. 1, upon operation of the starting; motor, the shaft 6 will turn the casing; or housing 8 anih through the connections already described, the pinion 3 will be evtended longitudinally or along its own axis into meshing engagement with the engine gear 1.. This operation is efl'ected by engag rement ot the slot 2st with the toe 25 which upon rotation of casing 8 will transmit such rotary motion through the bell crank lever above referred to so as to force the yoke inei'nber 17 forwardly, this compound movement being permitted by the swivelling action of the member 13. The forward motion of the yoke men'iber 17 moves the crosshead .fOlFVdr-(llY and consequently the pinion 3 is moved torwardly or longitudinally along its own axis to meshing engagement with the engine gear the trueness of such 11101 91118111; and engage ment being ensured by the extended hearing for the pinion 3. During such movement of the parts, one end of the C1,'OF-TSll(-\tltl 20 is guided along the cam edge of plate 22 until it strikes the shoulder or abutinent 22 at the torward end portion of such cam edge, as illustrated. in F 5, whereupon there is produced a directdriving connection hetween the shaft 6 and the starting pinion 23. In other words, at this point the casing 8, which is rotated by the shaft (3, positively locked to the crosshead and hence to the starting; pinion" As above explained, any shock which migh t result from the sudden origam ment ot the crosshead with the front edge portion oi. the cam plate 22 will be absorbed by the rubber cushions and hence prevcnlcul from being transmitted to the starting motor.

t is observed that in order to accomplish this positive driving connection between the shalt 6 and the pinion 53, it s only necessary to rotate the casing 8 through an angle o't' less than l urthernun'c, in tOlltHYlllg the link and lover mechanism through the op oration just now described, it will be observed that in the initial or idle position shown in Fig. 1 the toe J) occupies a position approjsimately at the rear end of the opening or slot 24:; that in intermediate position shown in Fig. 3, the too 25 occupies position substantially in the iliorward end ot the slot 2:); and that at fully extended position, as shown in Fig. 2, the too occupies position again at the rear end of the slot 24; but turned son'iewhat less than 90 to its position in Fig; 1.

As soon as the starting motor has, through the positive driving cminertiou above referred to succeeded in turn ng the engine gear 1 so as to enable the engine to then start under its own power, the comparatively excessive speed of the engine gear 1 will cause the starting: pinion 5-} to rotate at increased speed and to run in advance of shait (l and hence to turn thcreabout, with the result that the connecting mechanism is caused to colla we, whereupon the pinion 23 returns long its axial path to the position indicated in Fig. 1. In other words, the increased speed of the pinion El sets up a ditl'crential or relative mo remeut between the pinion E3 and the shaft (3, which. di'ltercntial is rliectire in collapsing" or rcturnirug the lever and linlr conrua'tions to their initial or idle position.

Thus it will be seen that I have produced a starting mechanisim which is highly etiicicnt because of the extended liearing -tor the startimr pinion and the positivc crm nect-ions between the pinion and the shaft of: the starting motor. This device is also exceedingly dcpciulable because o'l its con: paratively simple structure which is not apt to be hindered in its (nieration by dirt or other foreign elements. My improved mechanism is at the same time substantially proot against sticking, decidedly quiet in its operation and is tree from the danger oi. shock being; transmitted to the starting motor. liurthcrmorc, l. have n'oduccd a mechanism which is decidedly compact and in which a com mratively small dcnjrce of operative movement is required in the tull pertorn'iance of its functions. Finally, I ha re llll produced a device which can be manufactured at a comparatively low cost.

hat I claim is:

1. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a rotatable member mounted upon said shaft, means having swivel connection with one end of said member and having operative connection with said pinion for effecting axial movement thereof, and means whereby rotary movement of said member causes actuation of said means.

2. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a rotatable casing mounted upon and surrounding said shaft, means arranged within said casing and having swivel connection with one end thereof to permit'relative rotation therebetween, said swiveled means also having operative connection with said pinion for effecting axial movement thereof, and means whereby rotary movement of said casing causes actuation of said swiveled means.

An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a rotatable member mounted upon said shaft, means surrounding said shaft and having swivel connection with one end of said member, a lever mechanism mounted upon said swivelcd means and having operative connection with said pinion for effecting axial movement thereof, and means whereby rotary movement of said member causes actuation of said lever mechanism.

l. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a rotatable casing mounted upon and surrounding said shaft, lever mechanism arranged within said casing and having operative connection with said pinion for effect :ing axial movement thereof, and means whereby rotary movement of said casing causes actuation of said lever mechanism,

5. A11 engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a rotatable casing mounted upon and surrounding said shaft, bodily movable lever mechanism arranged within said casing and having operative connection with said pinion V for effecting axial movement thereof, and means whereby rotary movement of said casing causes actuation of said lever mechanism.

6. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motorhaving arotary shaft, a rotatableanember n'iountedupon said shaft, means surrounding said shaft and haw ing swivel connection with" one end of said member, a bell-crank lever mounted upon said swiveled means and having operative connection with said pmronfor moving vthe same axially, and n'ieansfwhereby rotary movement of said member causes actuation of said lever.

S. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine tobe started, a starting motor having vaurotary shaft, a rotatable member mounted upon said shaft, means surrounding said shaft andhaw mg swivel connection with one end of said member, yoke means pivotally mounted upon said swiveled means, one arm of said voice means being continued to form a bell'ecrank lever, said yoke means having operative connection with said pinion for 'inoving the same axially, and means whercbyrotarymovement of saidmember causes actuation of said yoke means including thebell crank lever thereof.

9. An engine startendevice, comprising a starting pinion adap'ted'to be moved axially lnto mesh w th the gear ofnanengme to be started, a starting motor having a 1.:otary shaft, a rotatable member i'nounted upon said shaft, means surrounding said shaft andliavmg swivel connect on with one end. of said casing, yoke means pivotally mounted upon said swiveled means so asJto straddle the same, one arm of said yoke means bei'n con-v tinned to forma bell-crank lever andftermi nating in aradially projecting pin', 'said yoke means having operative com'iection with said pinion for moving thesame axially, and said member being provided with a slot having operative engagement with said pin, where'- by rotary movement of said member causes actuation of said yoke means including the bell crank lever thereof. 10. An engine starter device, comp 'ing a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor havinga rotary shaft, a casing mounted upon and surrounding said shaft and adapted to rotate there with, means mounted within said casingand having operative connection with said pinion for effecting axial movement thereof, means whereby rotary movement of said casing causes actuation of said first-named means, means for effecting positive driving connection between said casing and pinion, and cam means for directing said pinion into such ('lriving connection.

11. An engine starter device, com 'irising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a rotatable casing mounted upon and surround ing said shaft, means mounted. with- .in said casing and having operative connection with said pinion for elfecting axial movement thereof, means whereby rotary move ment of said casing causes actuation of said first named means, means for ellectiug positive driving connection between said casing and said pinion, and cam means carried by said casing for directing said pinion to such driving connection.

12. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft upon which said pinion mounted, bell crank lever mechanism adapted when actuated to move said pinion axially into mesh with the engine gear, and a rotatable casing driven by said starting motor and pro vided with means for actuating said bell crank lever mechanism to effect movement of said pinion axially into mesh with the engine gear and with additional means for positively effecting rotary movement of said pinion when the same is moved into mesh with the engine gear, one of said means being arrangedwithin said casing.

13. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a casing mounted upon and surrounding said shaft, means mounted within said casing and having operative commotion with said pinion for effecting axial movement thereof, means whereby rotary movement of said casing causes actuation of said firstnamed means, cam means provided upon the inside of said casing for directing the first named means in its movement, and an abutment at the end of said cam means for elfecting positive driving connection between, said casing and pinion.

14:; An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion. adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a casing mounted upon and surrounding said shaft, means mounted within'said casing and having operative commotion with said pinion for effecting axial movement thereof, said means including a radially projecting arm, means whereby rotary movement of said casing causes actuation of said firstnan'ied means and an abutment carried on the inside of said casing for engagemcntliiy said radial projection so as to establish positive driving connection between, said casing and pinion upon completion of the axial movement of said pinion.

1.). An engine start-er device comprising a starting pinion adapted to bemoved axia ly into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft, a casing mounted upon and surrounding said shaft, means having swivel connection with one end of said casing and having operative connection with said pinion for eliecting axial movement thereof, means whereby rotary moven'ient of said casing relative to said swivel means causes actuation of said means, and shock absorbing means between said shaft and casing.

it). on engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to he started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft upon which said pinion is mounted, bell crank lever mechanism adapted when actuatedv to move said pinion axially into mesh with the engine gear, and. a rotatable membcr driven by said starting motor and provided with means for actuating said bell. cranlr lever mechanism to effect movement of said pinion axially into mesh with the engine gear, and with ai'ldititmal means for positively el'lecting rotary movement ot said pinion when said pinion is moved into mesh with said engine gear.

17. An engine starter device, comprising a starting pinion adapted to be moved axially into mesh with the gear of an engine to be started, a starting motor having a rotary shaft upon which said. pinion is mounted, bell crank lever 1T1Cll1IliSll1 adapted when actuated to move said pinion axially into mesh with the engine gear, and a rotataljile casing driven by said starting motor and provided with means for actuating said bell cranl; lever mechanism to GilTGCiJ movement of said pinion axially into mesh with the engine gear and with additional means for positively etl'ccting rotary movement of said pinion when the same is moved into mesh with the engi no gear, said last named means and said hell crank lever mechanism bein arranged within, said casing.

18. An engine starting device comprising a motor, a motor driven part, a starting pinion hart having a starting pinion adapted to he brought into meshwith the gear of the engine to be started, and means operated by said motor driven part for moving said pinion axially into mesh with the engi no gear and comm'ising a lever member operatively connected to the motor driven part and the pinion part, a motor driven member, one of said members having a slot and the other member having a pin engaging in said slot whereby, upon rotation of the motor, relative rotation is produced between it and the pinion causing the pin and slot connection to shift the pinion into engagement with the fly Wheel.

19. An engine starting device as in claim 18 wherein the motor driven member is provided with a slot and the lever member is 10 provided with a crank arm carrying a pin engaging in said slot.

In testimony whereof I hereby affix my signature.

STEPHEN J ENCICK. 

